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Fortified city Kientzheim

At the foot of the Vosges hills, near Kayserberg, it is the one and only Alsatian village to have retained all of its ramparts. It is also the town which enjoys the driest climate in France. A paradise for the vines!

Markers

Founded in the 8th century to protect a region whose wine-producing wealth was already highly coveted, the village developed all around its castle and improved its fortifications over the centuries. In 1430, the small town, under the protection of the Habsburgs, obtained the right of citizenship. A fair and weekly markets were organised. Lazarus of Schwendi, head of the imperial armies, settled there in 1573. Unlike its neighbours, the town lived through the ups and downs of history, particularly the Thirty Years’ War, without much damage. Hence its perfect state of conservation today!

History

Lazarus of Schwendi, whose tomb is in the village, brought back the Hungarian pinot gris, which made and still makes the reputation of the city. From wine to gastronomy, Hervé This, founder of molecular cuisine, fortunately went just one step further by creating in 2005 an emulsion of hazelnut butter in a mixture of egg yolk and lemon juice, named ‘Kientzheim Sauce’.

Key points

Its cobbled streets dividing the half-timbered houses, the old Schwendi Castle — today, seat of the Brotherhood of Saint-Etienne (Alsace wine museum), Château des Ifs (Ifs Castle), the murals, the fountains etc., not forgetting its impeccably preserved ramparts, including the famous Tour des Fripons (Knaves’ Tower).

Practical informations

Address: 68240 Kientzheim
Nearest tourism office: La Vallée de Kaysersberg
39 rue du Général De Gaulle - Kaysersberg
03 89 78 22 78 - info@kaysersberg.com
www.kaysersberg.com - Facebook @vallee.de.Kaysersberg
GPS coordinates: Lat.: 48.13640868 - Long.: 7.28693962

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